Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.
Chesty PullerRead
I've always believed that no officer's life, regardless of rank, is of such great value to his country that he should seek safety in the rear... Officers should be forward with their men at the point of impact.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership is about being present and taking risks alongside your team, not retreating for personal safety.
This quote by Chesty Puller emphasizes the principle of leadership through example. It asserts that a true leader prioritizes the well-being and success of their team above their own safety, advocating for a proactive approach in challenging situations. Puller believes that an officer should stand with their soldiers, facing challenges head-on rather than retreating, reinforcing the bond of trust and respect between leaders and their teams.
Themes
LeadershipTeamworkSacrificeCourageTrust
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to young cadets about the values of military leadership.
More from Chesty Puller
All quotes →In the Marine Corps, your buddy is not only your classmate or fellow officer, but he is also the Marine under your command. If you don't prepare yourself to properly train him, lead him, and support him on the battlefield, then you're going to let him down. That is unforgivable in the Marine Corps.
Chesty PullerRead
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